The Minority Caucus in Nigeria’s House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to halt the rollout of the newly enacted tax reform laws over claims that the versions currently in circulation were altered after legislative approval.
In a statement issued in Abuja late Sunday, the caucus argued that implementing the laws under such circumstances could deepen public distrust and undermine constitutional order.
It insisted that enforcement should be paused until an investigative committee set up by the House completes its work and establishes which versions are authentic.
The tax reforms, four in total, are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026. However, their implementation has been overshadowed by allegations that amendments and insertions were made after passage by the National Assembly, sparking controversy across political and business circles.
Reacting to the development, the Minority Caucus said the situation goes beyond routine policy disagreements.
According to the lawmakers, the allegations strike at the heart of Nigeria’s legislative process and raise serious legal questions about how laws are finalised and gazetted.
“This is not a matter that can be waved aside as ordinary disagreement,” the caucus said in the statement.
“What is being alleged suggests a breach of due process and a direct threat to the integrity of lawmaking in Nigeria.”
The statement was jointly signed by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip Ali Isa J.C., Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi.
The lawmakers explained that concerns were first raised on the floor of the House by one of its members, prompting the inauguration of a high-powered committee to probe claims that the tax laws were fraudulently altered after presidential assent and then circulated to the public.
Describing the allegations as “grave,” the caucus said any confirmation of post-passage tampering would amount to an assault on democratic governance. It pledged to support the House in uncovering the facts and ensuring accountability.
“The National Assembly remains the lawful custodian of all bills passed into law,” the caucus noted.
“Any document that does not emanate from that process cannot be imposed on Nigerians as valid legislation.”
The Minority Caucus further urged citizens and the business community to disregard any version of the tax laws lacking proper authentication, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on regulations they are expected to comply with.
Calling directly on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the lawmakers appealed for executive restraint, saying his democratic record should guide a cautious approach.
“Suspending implementation at this stage will protect the rule of law and restore confidence,” the caucus said. “Nigerians are entitled to certainty, not confusion, when it comes to tax obligations.”